People who walk or have to use wheelchairs to visit CarolinaEast Hospital should find it easier to get there in the future.

New Bern aldermen approved an agreement with the N.C. Department of Transportation Tuesday night for construction of sidewalks on Neuse Boulevard leading to the hospital.

Mike Epperson, city manager, said the city has been working with DOT to provide the sidewalk access along Neuse Boulevard from the existing sidewalk at Chattawka Lane to Hospital Drive on the hospital campus. The plan includes new wheelchair curb ramps that meet the American with Disabilities Act, he said.

The ADA ramps will be between Chattawka Lane and Gaston Boulevard, according to city staff reports.

The improvements will establish safe pedestrian access to the hospital campus for residents living in Duffyfield, Five Points, and other areas of downtown New Bern.

The project’s estimated cost is $70,975. DOT has agreed to fund 70 percent of the project or $49,700. The remaining 30 percent, $21,275, is the city’s match which would come out of the public works budget, Epperson said.

Alderman Victor Taylor said he has received several calls from people pleased with the proposed sidewalks.

It has been a safety hazard for years,” Taylor said.

People walking to the hospital or pushing baby carriages, using wheelchairs or bicycles have to use what sidewalks are available now and are forced into the street where the sidewalks end, he said.

“This is an excellent project,” he said.

Alderman Bernard White agreed with Taylor but he was also concerned the city was bypassing other areas of the city that need sidewalks as well.

“After we finish this we need to go to other areas,” White said.

Eddie Fitzgerald can be reached at 252-635-5675 or at eddie.fitzgerald@newbernsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @staffwriter3.